Assistant Legal Counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), International Bureau (September 2027 to September 2028 Intake)

The International Bureau of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the intergovernmental organisation headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, recruits a limited number of Assistant Legal Counsel (ALC) every year. Applications are now open for ALC positions for the period from September 2027 to September 2028. Qualified applicants who apply before 1 December may be considered for a position ordinarily beginning in September.

• Providing legal advice and services on request to the Secretary-General and to the legal staff of the International Bureau.
• Assisting with the PCA's functions in matters submitted under the PCA Arbitration Rules, the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and other rules of procedure.
• Drafting and legal research assignments.
• Any other tasks directed by the Secretary-General or the Deputy Secretary-General/Principal Legal Counsel.

• Admission to practise law in the applicant's home jurisdiction.
• A minimum of two years of experience in legal practice in arbitration or public international law, preferably at a law firm or an arbitral institution.
• Fluency in French or English is essential; knowledge of other languages is desirable, especially Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

The PCA notes that ALC vacancies are competitive and that candidates offered positions often have qualifications well in excess of these minimums.

The PCA's recruitment policy states that vacant posts are filled by nationals of Contracting Parties, with due regard to gender balance and geographical diversity. India has been a PCA Contracting Party since 29 July 1950 (1899 Convention), as listed on the PCA's Contracting Parties page, so Indian lawyers who meet the qualifications may apply.

The official recruitment page does not state the salary for the position. There is no application fee mentioned; applications are submitted through the PCA's online form.

Complete the PCA's online Assistant Legal Counsel application form (Formdesk) on or before 1 December 2026. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.